Joe Barnett

Be grateful and enjoy what [you] have worked for. It is a gift from God.      —Ecclesiastes 5:19 Wealth isn’t sinful, but it’s risky. “Command those who are rich . . . not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God . . . Let them do good […]

There is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they live. —Ecclesiastes 3:12 Canadian broadcaster Robert Blondin toured numerous countries, asking 600 people of diverse cultures one question: “What makes people happy?” The three highest ranking answers were: controlling one’s attitude, being thankful, and doing good. Here

How good is a timely word.         —Proverbs 15:23 Being noticed and appreciated fulfills a deep human need. Today consciously look for things that you appreciate and can praise in those you cross paths with. When you acknowledge someone’s work and worth, you contribute to their happiness and sense of self-worth. Don’t

Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.  —Philippians 3:1 It’s hard to be happy when you’re hurting. But happiness isn’t entirely at the mercy of circumstance. Here are three examples: Habakkuk was hurting. His nation was in chaos. The economy was in the tank: failed crops; sheep and cattle dead. Even so, he

All you have made will praise you, O Lord.                             —Psalm 145:10 The Houston Museum of Natural Science features an exhibit of life-size specimens of the human anatomy, detailing the functioning of each body part: an animated model of the working of

Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above. —James 1:17 Unrequested blessings were the bookends of the Israelites’ wilderness odyssey. On the front end was the dry-ground crossing of the Red Sea when they departed Egypt. On the back end was the dry-ground crossing of the Jordan when they entered Canaan forty years

He who guards you never sleeps.           —Psalm 121:3 Is something keeping you awake at night? A malignant marriage? A defiant child? A financial crunch? A health issue shadowing you or someone you love? You long for security, stability, trouble-free days. And life isn’t cooperating. Let this take the weight off

Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.    —Hebrews 13:5 When I was a child, the week before Christmas seemed like two months. Now the space between one Christmas and the next one seems like two months. It’s unnerving when we suddenly realize that we’ve sailed—or slept—past midlife. We become reflective: regretting

Do not be agitated— it can only bring harm.     —Psalm 37:8 Psalm 37 opens with these words: “Do not fret because of evildoers.” Various translations have it: “Do not be agitated;” “Do not be upset;” “Don’t be annoyed.” Eugene Peterson paraphrased verse 8 this way: “Bridle your anger, trash your wrath, cool your